The Iowa Department of Education has launched a new Summer Reading Grant that will provide up to $2 million in competitive grants to support schools in creating, expanding and sustaining evidence-based summer reading programs. These grants will support schools as they address summer learning loss with the goal of advancing student achievement and decreasing achievement gaps in the classroom.
All public elementary schools in Iowa are eligible to apply to offer and sustain summer reading programming that incorporates evidence-based English language arts instruction in identified academic focus areas based on the needs of the students being served. Schools serving students most in need will be given priority consideration. This includes schools that have been identified for additional support and improvement to meet the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is based on the overall performance of all students or a subgroup of students, such as students with disabilities or students who are English language learners.
Schools can apply for up to $100,000 to develop or expand summer reading programs to be implemented this summer. Allowable costs may include, but are not limited to, staffing, evidence-based reading interventions, tutoring and other activities to advance student achievement, transportation costs and snacks and meals aligned with requirements of the National School Lunch Program.
Applications for the Summer Reading Grant will be accepted in IowaGrants.gov beginning May 24, 2024. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on June 7, 2024.
More information on the Summer Reading Grant webpage.
Funds for the Summer Reading Grant are provided through the Iowa Department of Education’s portion from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (APR ESSER) Fund to address state-level educational efforts.